The other thing that I have no grasp of, is file format - CD, MP3 and FLAC are all different digital file types, but what can a DAC work with?
If I were to go for a Raspberry Pi and NAS, and using the digital input on my CDP, presumably control would be via a wired connection to my laptop?
A Hegel with the right speakers will give you a more life like sound IMO.
The Nad’s sound great but they are more « quiet » according to what I heard so far.
Whatever you choose, it will most likely become old hat later this year
Really? I be been using Logitech media server for 13 years now. Moved it from platform to platform with a few times.upgraded DACs, swapped PC for server for NAS etc. SW has been constant.
HAd I spent £500 on a NAD type box or £3000 on a Linn AIO box, it would certainly have have been rendered obselete, with not upgrades or further development in that time.
Whatever you choose, it will most likely become old hat later this year
What would be the reason (as in describable by physics) for that?
I don’t really know about the physics or electrical laws behind it, I just rely on my ears and I got more excited by the Hegel than any other Nad amplifiers.
That being said, a friend of mine has a Rega 3 turntable, a Nad 3120 with some B&W DM 100 and he is very happy with this kit........and he also has a rather good ear as he has been playing saxophone most of his life !
So now we have streamers, which we use as a hifi product but in reality are a computer of sorts. Whilst a 25 year old turntable or speakers could well still be very serviceable (OK carts need changing more frequently than that but you get my drift), a 25 yr old digital device is a relic with incredibly limited performance.
If we embrace streaming as the future, as I believe it is, (at least for quite a while), then some of us may have to adjust our expectations on lifespan of our beloved HiFi gear.